HOLLAND, MI -- Anyone who became sick after eating at Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant in Holland is asked to contact the Ottawa County Health Department, which is investigating a suspected outbreak of illness among diners at the restaurant.

More than 50 people reportedly became ill after eating at the restaurant last week, which voluntarily closed its doors for a thorough cleaning while the investigation is underway.

Health officials today asked diners to call the health department at 616-393-5645 if they experienced any of the following symptoms after eating at Margarita’s: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, muscle aches, chills or a fever.

The health department began its investigation Thursday after the first 10 cases of gastrointestinal illness were reported by people who ate at Margarita’s, 495 W. 17th St.

Samples were sent to the state laboratory this afternoon, said Shannon Felgner, spokeswoman for the health department.

The health department said gastrointestinal illnesses can spread easily from person to person and through contact with contaminated surfaces, food or water. It offered the following tips to prevent the spread of infection:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Stay home from school, work and events while sick
• Avoid contaminated foods, water and surfaces
• Do not prepare food for others if you are ill
• Disinfect with a bleach-based cleaning solution
• Washing soft surfaces (sheets, towels, toys) in hot water in washing machines
• Use a high temperature carpet cleaner on upholstered surfaces